Even though his name has been swirling around the rumor mill since mid-season, Tim Thomas could still be in a Bruins uniform when the 2012-13 season starts, reports the Boston Globe.

Thomas, 38, has one-year remaining on his current contract and his no-trade clause expires July 1, prompting speculation that a deal could be in the works this summer.

Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli doesn't believe a trade is necessary, and isn't predicting one will occur, at least not now.

"I view it pretty much the same way as I saw it going into last summer," Chiarelli told the Globe. "The difference being that (young goalie) Tuukka (Rask) obviously didn't play toward the end because of his injury. For me, there's no uncertainty there with regard to him being back and healthy.

"I've seen speculation of moving a goalie and all that stuff, but I'm certainly not inclined to do that. Tim didn't have, statistically, the year he had the year before, but I thought he had a very good year. We have if not the best, one of the top two or three goalie tandems in the league."

It's believed Rask is ready to assume the No. 1 goaltending duties, and should an offer come across Chiarelli's table for Thomas that is too good to pass up, the Bruins could make a move knowing they still have a capable netminder.

Chiarelli plans on making some moves this off-season to improve his roster, though moving Thomas's $5 million contract could help.

"I have to be careful," Chiarelli admitted. "I have to try and crystal ball-gaze a little bit on where we think it will end up. So I have to be cautious as far as summer additions."